Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I re-read the 7th installment of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Like most books when you re-read them, it was better this time around. I think it's because when you read a book for the first time most people tend to rush through to get to the end, you gotta know what happens, right?

I find this to more true when it comes to series, especially the end.

You catch details you missed the first time.

At least this is how I read, anyway.

So it was better than the last time I read it but it still comes in second to my favorite.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!

If you haven't read this series, stop what you are doing and go to the library or the bookstore and start now! You will thank me for it, they really are good books. You will be on the edge of your seat from beginning to end!

5 stars! DUH!

Water for Elephants

The story, Water for Elephants (by Sara Gruen) is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, a ninety-three year-old man who lives in a nursing home.

He tells his tale as a 23 year old, almost college grad, whose life is turned upside down by the tragic death of his parents.

With his life all planned the tragic death of his parents sent Jacob on downward sprial that lands him in the employ of , The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth,a traveling circus.

Based on somewhat true events, this historical fiction, tells of the day to day life for those who lived and worked on a traveling train circus in the 1930s. There are handful of unforgettable characters that make this novel really work.

I mean really, how can you have a traveling circus without the world's fattest woman, a tyrannical ring master, a beautiful showgirl and a temperamental yet lovable elephants?

One thing I really loved about this book was that at the beginning of each chapter (save a few) there were pictures from the real traveling circuses of the 1930's. Makes me want to go out and do some research on them. Pretty interesting subject, I think.

There is a movie coming out at some point, hopefully the screenwriters won't totally screw it up. You can go here to find the full list of cast and crew, Which includes Robert Pattinson, Resse Witherspoon and Christoper Waltz.

I really enjoyed this book and will probably read it again one day. It was a fairly quick and easy read. However, if you are the modest type, I should warn you..... there are some fairly sexual themes throughout the story.

You've been warned!!!

All in All, I thought it was fantastic!

5 stars!!

Finally Finished....BONE

I finally finished the Bone Series by Jeff Smith!!! The last took novels in the Series, Treasure Hunters and the Crown of Thorns, were just as wonderful and awesome as the others!

I was so excited to finally finish, I couldn't put them down!!!

It was simple, it was perfect!

If you haven't read my other post about this graphic novel series, let me catch you up.....

Once upon a time in a far distant land there were 3 bone cousins. They were run out of Boneville because of one of the cousin's greed.

They got lost, very lost. Then separated ! They really weren't having any luck. Until.....
They meet Grandma Ben and Thorn. After that there was no going back and OH! how the adventures began.

"What kind of adventures?" you may ask....

I'm not telling, you gotta go read.

I promise you'll love it!!! And if you don't, well then I can't really help you.

You are un-help-able!

No, but seriously go read these graphic novels. They are easy to read, fast reads, classic good vs. evil dilemma, funny, cute and charming.

Just do it! Now!

5 stars don't lie!

My favorite travel book.....500 Places to take your kids before they grow up

So I've been kinda lazy and busy lately so I haven't read as much as I would like, so instead of just not writing anything, I'm going to start sharing some of my favorite books, last week I showed you my favorite cupcake book and this week it's travel. Look for more to come, as well as reviews!

This has been one of my favorite travel books for a long time, even though I don't have children I still want to take myself to all these places. Although, that didn't stop me from trying to convience my mother that she should take me to all these places before I grow up, it was a losing battle from the start! :(

Like 1000 places to see before you die, I think this book is slightly better and more attainable. I can barely imagine being able to go to 500 places, forget about 1000.

The best part of this book though is that is all KID friendly! Duh, you get it right?

One of the best features of the book is at the end of each place it has a space to that says, "Why they'll thank you...." Bascially why you should take your kids there and why they'll love it!

So far in my short 26.5 years I have only been to 20ish of these sites, I hope to experience all of these places on day! Oh yeah, it's includes sites from all of the world!

My New Favorite Baking Book....."Hello, Cupcake!"

This is my absolute favorites baking/cupcake book, just look at the pictures...how could it not be? And not only do all the designs look professional and amazing and cute but it's easy.

Or at least it seems easy, I haven't actually had the time to test them out. But I've read the directions for each creations and the only one that seems hard is Van Gogh's Starry Night! (See picture below, it's amazing looking!) Another great thing about these cupcakes is that you don't have to have any special equipment or ingredients. Everything used can be found in average kitchen or grocery store!

Don't they just look good enough to eat?!

There is also a 2nd Edition called What's new Cupcake! I can't wait to look through and try that one!

Lucky Man

We all know him as Alex P. Keaton or Marty McFly. I, myself and my friends grew up watching him. We loved him and I'll admit I still do. I honestly think that he is one of my favorite people. Well of the people I don't actually know. Although after reading this book I feel I know him that much better.

Michael J. Fox's memoir Lucky Man, is exactly that. A memoir. He writes about his childhood, his career and his diagnoses of Parkinson's Disease in 1990/91. He tells of the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful and the wonderful. He talks about life. His life.

Like I mentioned before he is one of my favorite people. That's one reason I was so excited to read this book (and his other two as well....reviews will follow later!) and of course I read it with his voice in my head. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone and you should go read it right now! It's not a particularly fast read but once you get going you won't want to stop, no matter how long it takes you.

Despite the feeling I've had of late of being to generous with my "stars" I still give this one 5 of 5!

Also, I think autobiographies are becoming my favorite genre for reading. I love to look into the lives of others, guess I'm just a little too nosy sometimes!

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

"One time, there this this lake and uh, it was right outside of town. We used to go fishin' and swimmin' and canoein' in it, and uh this one November this flock o'ducks came in and landed on that lake, and uh the tempurature dropped so fast that the lake froze right there and then the ducks, they flew off ya see and took the lake with them and uh, now they say that lake is over in Georgia..." Idgie Threadgoode


Never have a read a story with the most interesting and charming characters like this novel. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg is one of the most heartwarming novels I have read in a long time. I have loved this movie for years and never realized it was a book until a random viewing to the Simpsons. That's right I said the Simpsons! Who would have thought I would ever read a book that I discovered because of the Simpsons?



Apu: Quick, name your favorite movie, book and food.
Manjula: The answer to all three is Fried Green Tomatoes!


Like the movie, this books leaves you with a happy feeling. One of the appeals for me was reading about another time, a small town family as they grow through the good and the bad and the changing world around them. The characters are so easy to sympathizes with and you can't help but cheer for Evelyn as she learns of the Threadgoode family and learns more about herself than ever thought possible. If you haven't read this book or seen the movie, they are a must!!! Go to your locale library or movie rental place now! You will thank me later. You can also find the movie on Netflix instant streaming right now, so go watch it! I know I will!

I give this book a big 5 of 5 stars and I"m already planning to read it again one day!!!!
Are you reading yet?

Up Next, Marley & Me by John Grogan and Walk Away the Pounds: The Breakthrough 6-week program that helps you burn fat, tone muscle and feel great without Dieting By Leslie Sansone.
I hope to start the Walk Away the Pounds program tomorrow, if you haven't discovered her walking dvd/videos you should, they are great for anyone wanting to get fit or stay fit.